Forces join in Holland
Page 20
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Dutch manufacturers Daf and Bova are to set up a jointly-owned company called United Bus, which is set to launch an aggressive expansion programme (CM 23-29 November).
Daf will initially take a majority stake in the venture — in effect a holding company — in which both companies will retain their own names. Bova will act as an operating company of United Bus. Joint turnover is expected to be in the region of n50 million.
No major changes to personnel or plant are expected, and both companies will continue to service existing customers while "developing the measure of synergy which exists between us", says Daf deputy communications director Martin Hayes.
He describes the deal as "the first step" in a chain of "acquisitions, joint ventures and co-operations with other European bus builders", and says that discussions are currently underway with a number of other manufacturers.
The moves come in response to a joint review of the post-1992 bus and coach industry, which United Bus expects to produce an increase in road passenger transport.
Daf is to separate its bus building activities from the rest of its CV operations, creating another operating subsidiary of United Bus.
Bova turns out around 400 vehicles a year and predicts sales of 245 million this year. Bova director Wolf Lijmer will act as general manager of I